Mandatory changes for generation owners

Have you installed generation for commercial customers? If that installation is larger than domestic solar, you'll need to contact your customers about mandatory changes they need to make to their equipment.

DO YOU HAVE CUSTOMERS THAT OWN GENERATION LIKE SOLAR AND WIND TURBINES?

If you've installed generation for commercial customers or clients such as schools, hospitals, businesses or farms? If that installation is larger than domestic solar and the owner is looking to generate energy for their own use or to export power back to the grid, you need to contact your customers about mandatory changes they need to make to their equipment.

The changes impact owners and operators of generation:

• between approximately 11kW and 50MW;
• installed before February 2018 and;
• connected in accordance with ERECG59 of the Distribution Code.

If you believe your customers might be in scope, then you should inform them of the new requirements. The changes are not optional, and generators must be compliant by 1 September 2022, or they could face enforcement action which may result in the de-energisation of the generation site.

WHAT ARE THE CHANGES?

The changes impact the Loss of Mains protection settings, which protect both the generator and the electricity network from potential faults. By updating the protection settings to align with the new regulations, generator owners will benefit from:

• more reliable generation equipment;
• more consistent generation that is less likely to trip off; and
• potential for more revenue because of fewer interruptions.

Most importantly, these changes, will make the power grid more resilient and reliable.

WHAT HELP IS AVAILABLE TO BECOME COMPLIANT?

Currently, there is funding to help generation owners make the necessary changes and become compliant. The funding is available through the Accelerated Loss of Mains Change Programme (ALoMCP) – a national programme, coordinated by National Grid ESO and all Distribution Network Operators, including Northern Powergrid.

But your customers must act fast. The deadline for funding applications via the ALoMCP is 10 May 2022, after which time funding will no longer be available.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND MORE INFORMATION?

There is a website with information that can help your customers find out if they are impacted. It also offers advice about how to check equipment, apply for funding and declare compliance once the changes are complete.

The website contains a self-serve tool where users can enter details about their electricity generators. The tool will let them know if they need to take an action, and what their next steps should be.

Visit futureproofyourpower.co.uk to find out more.

You can also watch a short video on YouTube.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

If you believe that any of your customers may be impacted by the new regulations, please get in touch with them as soon as possible to let them know about the changes and direct them to futureproofyourpower.co.uk.

You may also be able to apply for funding and make the necessary changes on behalf of your customers. This will require a signed letter from the customer declaring that you are acting on their behalf

Finally, you can help spread the word by letting other installers and contractors know about these changes. We want to ensure that everyone who is eligible can access funding and make the changes before the fast-approaching funding and compliance deadlines. Please let your